I am very excited to share with you the 15th Annual Council Tree Pow Wow and Cultural Festival, to be held Sept 18-20, in Delta, Colorado.  There will be cultural events for both adults and children, hand games, a Tipi Village, an Outdoor American Indian Market, Dance Competitions with 19 traditional dance categories, a Drum contest, the Fort Uncompahgre history museum, food, and more!

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Wilma Erven, Culture & Recreation Director at Council Tree Pow Wow, about the history of the Pow Wow, cultural events, the Ute Nation, giving back, and more. Here's what she had to say...

WE:  Please tell us about the Council Tree Pow Wow...

Wilma Erven:  Council Tree Pow Wow is a coming home celebration for the Ute Indian people who were the original inhabitants of this area.  Pow Wow is a celebration of American Indian dancing and singing for all types of tribes.  We have had as many as 30 different tribes from 25 states represented at our Pow Wow.  Also, at the pow wow you have the opportunity to view and purchase if you wish, American Indian made items, such as jewelry, Kachina dolls, pottery, rugs, dream catchers, art work, etc.  When you become hungry you have available to you American Indian foods.  Tipi tours and American Indian storytellers are also present on the pow wow grounds.

During the event, our Fort Uncompahgre is also open and fully staffed with period clothed volunteers doing a number of 1800’s activities, i.e., making iron tools, spinning wool, throwing axes, making bread in an outdoor “orno” (oven) and just living the lifestyle of that era.

WE: Can you please share with us some history and traditions of the Ute Nation?

Wilma Erven: The Ute people were nomadic peoples and roamed all of now Colorado, some of Utah and New Mexico.  They were driven from this area in 1841 onto three separate reservations.  One in Northeastern Utah, one in Southeastern Utah which connects to the one in Southwestern Colorado as one and the final one in South central Colorado, below Durango.  They still perform many of their traditions such as the Bear Dance and Sun Dance.  Also, many are still highly skilled beading folks and make many piece of their regalia for performances, as well as pieces to sell to the public.

WE: How can travelers give back, while at the Council Tree Pow Wow?

Wilma Erven: I believe that the traveler can give back to these folks by supporting their activities and respecting their culture.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Wilma Erven: I would like to tell you that the event is held outdoors in a traditional pow wow arbor along the Gunnison River, right across from the original Council Tree that Chief Ouray and the other Chiefs of earlier eras met to discuss their concerns of life.  Council Tree Pow Wow is a cultural experience that is not available much anymore and a experience no one should miss.

Here is some history on the Council Tree Pow Wow...

In 1992, a dream was beginning to develop in Delta, Colorado.  Over 100 years ago the Delta area was the homeland of the Ute Indian people.  The 200 year old "Ute Council Tree", a historical meeting place of the Ute Tribes,  is still standing just across the Gunnison River from the current site of the Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival, in Confluence Park.  The dream was to develop a celebration of the Ute Culture and the present-day multi-culture of Delta, bring them together and learn about each others lifestyle

 Hence our motto..."Experiencing Cultural Traditions!"

The Delta City Council approved the project and the three Ute Tribes, Northern Ute, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute, agreed to work with the City in the development of this cultural event.  This was a very historic occasion.  The three Ute Tribes had not worked together on any project since leaving the Delta area over 100 years earlier.  1999 saw a continuation of the coming together of the three Ute Tribes, as for the first time since leaving the Delta area, the three Tribal Councils had a joint meeting in Delta.

The 1996 Pow Wow saw the beginning of the Ute Nation celebrating and sharing their culture with other Indian tribes as well as the non-Indian people in attendance.  On Friday of each year the Ute Nation does a "Celebration of the Ute Nation Day."  Presentations on dancing, history, Ute traditions and of course, everyone participating in the Ute Bear Dance.  This presentation is free for the school children of all ages from around the region.  As many as  5,000 children take part each year.

Friday night is the beginning of the dancing and singing competition. Participants from many states and several different Indian tribes have been in attendance.  The dancing and singing contest continue through Sunday afternoon.  The festival attendee can also have the experience of 50 American Indians artisans selling and displaying their works of art.  American Indian food can also be enjoyed.  Each year Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival has grown in attendance as well as in venues.  The Ute artisans now teach a hands-on experience for children in the Children's Cultural Center.  Each child has the opportunity to do American Indian arts, such as painting pottery, beading and more. Adults have the opportunity to learn about Ute culture at presentations in the Adult Cultural Center.  A Tipi Village is constructed and guided tours are given, if you chose you may do a self-guided tour as well. 

All of these different activities  going on at the same time take a very large staff.  Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival is blessed with the assistance of over 400 volunteers that help produce this event.  Many of the volunteers have been with Pow Wow for thirteen years.  Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival is very honored to be able to make it possible for all nations to work as one, for the broadening of cultural knowledge and the coming together of everyone from everywhere.

WE: Thanks so very much, Wilma! This looks like an extraordinary event, not to be missed!

For more information, please see:
www.counciltreepowwow.org

All photos courtesy and copyright of Council Tree Pow Wow.